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Challenge

Circular economy for office furniture

Circular economy for office furniture

Help to speed up the office furniture sector’s transition towards a circular and innovative economy with a focus on economic feasibility
Open for application
Our challengeOutcomesPotential progressInformationProviders

Our challenge

In the office furniture sector, a significant number of resources continue to be wasted. New office furniture is typically not designed with reuse, repair, refurbishment, or recycling in mind. Simultaneously, the rapidly evolving nature of work demands office furniture that is modular, adaptable, and recyclable. To address these challenges, we aim to explore innovative approaches and solutions that can transform the office furniture industry in Europe towards greater sustainability. Our objective is to identify strategies that not only reduce resource wastage but also present strong financial incentives and robust business cases. “By designing sustainable furniture, it is core, that companies can reduce costs associated with raw materials and waste disposal. Modular and adaptable furniture extends the product lifecycle, reducing the need for frequent replacements and, consequently, lowering overall expenditure. Refurbishment and recycling options can open new revenue streams, tapping into a growing market of environmentally-conscious consumers and businesses” We believe that by combining sustainability with sound economic planning, the office furniture sector can achieve significant environmental impact while also enhancing profitability and market competitiveness. Together, let's engage in shaping a sustainable and economically viable future for office furniture in Europe.

Study format
Hybrid
Application period
21 August – 16 October 2024
Study period
25 October – 13 December 2024
Credits
3 ECTS
Pace
20%
Hosting university
Hamburg University of Technology
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Learning outcomes

Work in international, interdisciplinary teams

By the end of the course students learn how to work in international, interdisciplinary teams in terms of: knowing about the different roles, reflect on team dynamics, get to know tools for efficient online collaboration and how to provide constructive peer-feedback.

ESCO SKILLS

Work in teams

Being able to critically reflect on circularity and climate neutrality at an advanced level

By the end of the course students will have basic knowledge about the topic Circular Economy and the state of the art in this research field. They are able to discuss recent issues and identify relevant research connected with their fields of study. At the end of the course, students will develop robust business cases that demonstrate the economic viability of sustainable practices in office furniture.

ESCO SKILLS

Promote responsible consumer behaviourIdentify new recycling opportunitiesAdopt ways to reduce negative impact of consumptionShow entrepreneurial spirit

Potential progress

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Goal based on on your motivation scan

Inter-personal skills

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Circular economy

Entrepreneurship, technology and innovation

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Information

How we make and use products generates half of the emissions in our current economic system, as the production of goods and infrastructure generates emissions all along the value chain. Therefore, the circular economy is inherently cross-sectoral and requires engagement with stakeholders across value chains in pursuit of innovations that contribute to resilient and low-carbon local economies.

This societal challenge requires a broad set of skills that is currently lacking in our increasingly specialized society and education. It is therefore crucial that learners at all levels learn to collaborate, to solve ill-structured, complex problems that they get confronted with, by dividing them into smaller, doable tasks. Being able to create criteria and come to fact based decisions is one of the most valuable future skills.

In this particular challenge, TUHH together with HiiCCE Hamburg Institute of Innovations in Climate protection and Circular Economy GmbH and the interreg project https://www.interregnorthsea.eu/ceo are taking a closer look on the transition of the office furniture sector towards a circular economy, integrating financial aspects and business cases. As in the office furniture sector many resources are still being wasted and new office furniture is usually not designed for reuse, repair, refurbishment or recycling. At the same time, the way we work is changing rapidly and constantly and requires office furniture that is modular, adaptable and recyclable. Considering financial aspects and business cases in the context of this challenge is essential for creating sustainable solutions that are economically viable. Learners will explore how sustainable practices can reduce costs. They will investigate how modular and adaptable furniture can extend product lifecycles, reducing the need for frequent replacements and lowering overall expenditures.

We are inviting learners to engage on particular, self-chosen aspects to approach the economic aspects of this challenge, always taking into account their individual interests and ideas.

Hosting university

Hamburg University of Technology

Hamburg University of Technology